happy smile that made me sigh.
"Why do I feel like that's going to be a lingering problem for Omarion?"
"Dragons never get along when there's a power difference. Your father merely doesn't like him because Omarion will surpass him in strength in the coming years."
"Coming years. So it's not even now?"
"Nope. They're very close though, but I have a hunch your Omarion is holding back for some reason. Something is hindering him, and that could have to do with his dragon heritage, which he'll have to face sooner or later if he wants to continue to grow as a supernatural."
Her advice intrigued me, and I wanted to explore more, but the knock on the door cut us off before it opened and Marigold entered the room holding a golden box in her hand.
I was far more impressed by her outfit; her usual dress was completely gone as she now stood in an armored outfit of fitted black with turquoise and gold accents. Her green hair was braided in a crown style, decorated with black roses that softened the warrior appearance to a slight degree.
She looked like she would waltz into a damn war and plague the opposing enemy with nothing but death.
"Good afternoon, Your Majesties," she greeted, and half bowed before closing the door and walking over to where we were. "I've brought the item you requested, Queen Cyldrirth."
"Ah, Marigold. Please call me Faith already. No one else is around to continue using such formalities," Mother whined. "And perfect timing. Cassandra, my dear. It's time for the dress."
"Um...did we choose a dress already?" I asked, feeling as though I was lost in my thoughts during the discussion part of my outfit for this ceremony.
Mother giggled and shook her head. "The land chooses the dress that will complement you for the occasion."
"The land?" I whispered as I rose up.
Mother merely nodded and gestured for me to stand before the standing mirror. "Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Focus on the sensation of the world around you. Enjoy the vastness this world has to offer and the thrumming energy of peace and tranquility. Remind the land of your presence and that you are about to embark on a new journey that will only lay roots. With that, this kingdom will bless you with the outfit that will complement you in every way."
I absorbed her explanation and looked to Marigold, who bobbed her head in encouragement. "Be positive and let the channels of your fae magic open further to accept the blessings of this world, Queen Cassandra," she explained with determination.
It seemed like a simple task, and I felt Quil-Zu's presence as heat swarmed my body.
"You are ready, my child. Do not fear what you think you lack," she confronted. "You were chosen because you were ready to save these lands, and now it's your time to be accepted by them with open arms as you let the rest of the kingdoms in this vast universe acknowledge your role as Queen of the Kingdom of Gaia."
I stared at my reflection in the mirror then closed my eyes and allowed the trickles of magic begin to flow through my body to my fingertips as the world around me faded away and I was left in the place of darkness.
* * *
"Kingdom of Gaia...it is I, your queen, Cassandra Cyldrirth. Tonight brings forth a special occasion, one that will lay roots upon this very land and spread through our royal neighbors who will have no choice but to acknowledge your awakening. I may be a novice, but seek the threads of my heart and accept my open gratitude and wishes to lift this kingdom up. I do not know my path or how the actions of the future will impact this world, but I want nothing but to bring unity to these lands that were meant to blossom into a safe place for all kinds. Dress my body with fabrics of royalty and remove any shackles that attempt to hinder our resurrection. Let me be seen as the queen I am so that this ceremony can be blessed and be the start to retrieving justice for those lost at the hands of selfishness."
* * *
The spark of magic made the world go from black to a glowing white that consumed me, and I felt the wrapping force of fabric going around my body and the weight of the dress that clung to me like a glove. No matter the firm fit of the